Showdown as Wike,  Diri trade words over rally in Bayelsa

“It is so unfortunate that a governor with all the security apparatus available to him could go on national television on mere suspicion of people planning a rally, which is their right to hold,” Olayinka said.

“Is this how much the governor is afraid of Wike? Can the governor stop people from holding rallies in the state if they want to?”

Governor Diri, who had earlier expressed worries over the proposed rally and the inauguration of a pro-Wike group, warned that such a gathering could result in a breakdown of law and order, especially in the light of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has a potential of escalating ethnic tensions and spill into  Bayelsa.

The governor cited Wike’s earlier comments on putting fire in PDP-governed states.

“Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state,” Diri said.

However, Olayinka further accused the governor of using Wike as a cover-up for his alleged failure in governance.

“Is this how childish governance in Bayelsa State has become? Must he use Wike as a cover-up for his failure in governance and politics?

“When he was seeking re-election, this same Diri was brought to Wike, like a thief in the night. He was brought by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Lokpobiri. David Lyon came with him then.

“As he was kneeling down, begging Wike to support him, he (Wike) was telling him, ‘No, don’t do that, you’re a governor, don’t do that.’

“Shamefully, the same Wike has now become someone he goes about disparaging, just to cover up his inadequacies. So obvious that some people don’t have conscience and it’s unfortunate.”